proof

DESIGN FOR ALL.

For the last fourteen years, we have been creating custom design solutions for a broad range of clients with very different needs.

Proof was born under the long-revered Yearbook name. Since our early years with the Yearbook store and studio, our work has expanded to include branding, positioning, interactive design, events, and commercial and residential interiors. As our practice grew, so did the clarity of our direction. We made a big decision: we changed our name and our brand. Today, Proof continues a long history of creating thoughtful, effective design solutions for every client—no matter the challenge—while preserving the integrity and distinctiveness that define our work.

our team

We are a flexible team, with people in Oak Park, Chicago, Houston and London. We come together whenever we need to support each other in creating beautiful things intended to last.

The Proof team is built on long-time ties. Each person brings something unique, and everyone’s skills complement one another. Our varied backgrounds and perspectives make us a dynamic group. We strive to make great work—and we always have a great time doing it together.

Jef Anderson

Jef Anderson

Principal | Creative Director

Noel Eberline

Noel Eberline

Principal | Partner

Melanie Dikaiou

Melanie Dikaiou

Senior Designer

Rachel Tanase

Rachel Tanase

Designer

Stephanie Munoz

Stephanie Munoz

Designer

Amber Felts

Amber Felts

Interior Developer

Henry Clarence

Henry Clarence

Yearbook & Proof Mascot

strategic partners

Our dedicated web developers bring our digital visions to life.
We work in close collaborations with these experts to create
effective websites and digital solutions for our clients.

Gino Whitaker
Web Developer

Gino Whitaker has more than 20 years of agency experience in creative, strategic, and website development roles. He earned his BS in Advertising with a concentration in graphic design from Ferris State University, with enhanced computer graphic design studies at Michigan State University. Gino honed his creative and development skills working at several small graphic design studios, an internet marketing agency, and as Web Studio Manager at Ogilvy & Mather Chicago. As a Principal at Pixeler Interactive Group, he brings his expertise in design, strategy, and development to every client project, large or small.

Steve Tolin
Web Developer

Steve Tolin has more than 20 years of digital media, web development and technical experience. Steve has worked across a wide swath of industries including 8 years as Information Systems Manager at Kent Communications and 4 years as Senior Interactive Specialist at Abelson-Taylor in Chicago. He brings a wealth of expertise in developing engaging websites, online marketing campaigns and personalized marketing materials to highly targeted audiences across multiple channels and media.

our studio

The Proof Studio is an inspiring space overlooking the Metra trains to Chicago. Located in the heart of Oak Park, it’s our base camp for all design projects.

While our Oak Park office is at the center of our practice, we work from everywhere. We go where we need to go and see who we need to see. We are a hands-on studio that believes in close collaborations with clients, partners and suppliers.

Bright Outlook
Our conference room overlooks the commuter trains–always keeping us awake and soothing our nerves at the same time.

our process

Throughout our firm’s project history, there is one constant: the uncompromising promise to create a lasting impression.

First and foremost, the firm’s philosophy is grounded in the belief that the best brands and designs are those that evoke a feeling. Every project has its own distinct attitude, an inexplicable familiarity, and a true sense of trust. Regardless of the end goal, the studio consistently delivers great design in all forms.

Brand Strategy

Discovering client goals, gaining an understanding of how these goals translate into strategy.

Positioning
Naming
Architecture

Brand Expression

Creating visual and verbal brand systems that communicate emotive, effective messages.

Visual Identity
Verbal Identity
Editorial

Brand Implementation

Bringing the brand to life by creating systems that enable clients to manage on their own.

Web & Digital
Environmental
Packaging

Brand Expansion

Taking brand concepts to the next level by implementing touchpoints and memorable moments.

Photography
Content Development
Events

You bring us your vision. We listen, and take what we learn to the creative process. We find solutions that show the world a clear picture of who you truly are.

Strategy

Assessing methods for connecting initiatives throughout a brand system, ensuring optimal performance and messaging.

Writing

Developing the brand voice, a consistent tone throughout all communications wherever they appear.

Design

Creating the elements that embody the brand and delivering a cohesive system that communicates the brand’s philosophy.

Photography

Creating visual stories through emotive images that capture the brand in the real world.

Jef Anderson

Principal | Creative Director

Jef Anderson has been in the business of design for over two decades. He worked and trained in various design disciplines during his twenties and matriculated at Rhode Island School of Design before withdrawing to complete his design education at the University of Illinois and serving as a design apprentice to famed designers, Jilly Simons and Bart Crosby. Prior to owning his own practice, Jef was a senior designer and art director for some of Chicago’s best firms and was a design director and stylist for Bloomingdales and Marshall Field’s on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. He has launched dozens of brands, designed environmental installations and corporate wayfinding systems, and created specialized interiors for both commercial and private residential clients. He is an award-winning designer and strategist whose work has been honored and published in lead design publications and books, including Communication Arts, Graphis, Graphic Design USA, The Society for Environmental Graphic Design, The American Corporate Identity Annual, The Type Directors Club, and T: The New York Times Style Magazine.

Noel Eberline

Business Development | Partner

Noel Eberline has built his career leading businesses with extensive management experience, working for both corporate and non-profit organizations. Noel achieves high-quality results through collaboration and relationship building. His project management skills are invaluable to client services, fulfillment and event planning.

Melanie Dikaiou

Senior Designer

Melanie Dikaiou is a seasoned designer with a rich and diverse body of work. She is a close friend and collaborator of Jef Anderson. She is a frequent contributor to projects at Proof. Educated at the Rhode Island School of Design, Melanie has worked with several renowned design firms, including VSA Partners in Chicago and Pentagram in New York. Today, Melanie lives in London with her husband and their two sons. Her work has received international recognition in leading design publications and awards, including Communication Arts and the ARC Awards.

Rachel Tanase

Designer

Rachel Tanase originally worked at Yearbook from 2016 to 2017. Today she is a frequent collaborator at Proof on design projects with the studio. Rachel was formally educated in graphic design with an ambition to reach greater heights alongside her talents in photography and art direction. With her studies completed at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Central Saint Martins in London, she learned that the only way to truly live is by following what makes a person come alive. Dedicated to falling in love with something everyday, Rachel is always looking to odd, peculiar and imperfect things in life to inspire something new and unique in her designs.

Stephanie Munoz

Designer

Stephanie Munoz originally joined Proof in 2018. Since that time, she has continued to collaborate with the firm on several projects. Her responsibilities include design, production and implementation. Her skills include illustration, photo retouching and conceptual development. Stephanie’s unique illustration skills bring a special and unique touch to many client projects. She has the ability to capture a client’s vision into a bold graphic language.

Amber Felts

Interior Developer

Amber Felts first worked with Jef Anderson in 2003 on the Access wayfinding system for MD Anderson. Today, Amber is the Manager of Faciities Planning & Design at the hospital. As a seasoned interior designer and strategist, Amber is a frequent collaborator on Proof projects involving commercial and residential interiors that require technical guidance and expertise.

Henry Clarence

Mascot

Henry Clarence is our beloved English Bulldog. He joined the Yearbook Team in December of 2012. His duties include serving as the official Yearbook Mascot, taking long naps in a triangle of sunlight near the back door of the studio, and begging for carrots. As a full-time partner with the company, Henry brings a confidence to his role and encourages others with his relaxed attitude and sense of calm. Henry has earned a faithful following on Instagram and has inspired a number of original product designs produced by Yearbook. He regularly attends staff meetings and always brings something meaningful to the table.